The Atlanta Falcons have had a busy offseason, especially when it comes to deciding who to let go and who to keep. Unfortunately, they don’t have as much salary cap space as they would like—largely due to their backup quarterback, Kirk Cousins, who signed a $180 million deal just last year.
Cousins didn’t quite work out for Atlanta. After leading the team to a 6–3 start, the Falcons went on a losing streak, with much of the blame falling on Cousins for throwing more passes to the opposing team than his own. When Michael Penix Jr. took over, things began to shift.
This draft season, Atlanta prioritized strengthening the defensive line after a disappointing year in terms of sacks. The Falcons selected Georgia product Jalon Walker—marking the first time in franchise history that Atlanta drafted a player from the University of Georgia in the first round.
“This is the first time in franchise history that the Falcons have taken a University of Georgia player in the first round,” wrote Daniel Flick.
On Wednesday, the Falcons announced that Walker will wear jersey number 11 to start his career. That number carries significance, as it was previously worn by Falcons great Julio Jones, who recently retired on a sentimental date.
“I’m making this announcement today because of the city of Atlanta,” Jones said. “Thank you, man. I appreciate y’all. It’s nothing but love. I’m doing this on 404 day.”
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Jones’s departure from Atlanta wasn’t exactly graceful, as he chose to make his exit more dramatic than it needed to be. Many fans are unhappy with Walker being assigned No. 11 so soon after Jones’s retirement.
“Some will argue the Falcons should have retired No. 11, or at least not given it out quite so quickly. He was the greatest receiver in team history with 848 receptions, 12,896 receiving yards and 60 receiving touchdowns,” Charean Williams wrote.
This suggests the Falcons may not give Jones the fairytale ending fans had hoped for by retiring his number—a decision that many are shocked by.
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